Unit Overview: Our country's core values were established even before we broke away from Great Britain as an independent nation. The structure of our government and the rights of the people were outlined in a few very important documents that still influence the way our country runs today. You will explore these documents and discover the democratic ideals set forth by our forefathers that have lasted for almost 230 years!
The Continental Congress drafted the United States Constitution - the "Law of the Land." This document establishes our three branches of government and the checks and balances system that regulates government power, and outlines the rights of the people in this country.
Power Standard 3: Learner can demonstrate their understanding of the development of the U.S. Constitution.
Learning Target 3.1 - Explain how the parts of the Constitution combine to form our current government.
Class resources for Learning Target 3.1
* Great Compromise: Reading and questions - Student Assignment
* LT 3.1: Parts of the Constitution - Student Sheet
- Use the template above to write your paragraph or diagram showing how the parts of the Constitution fit to create the U.S. government.
* Purpose of Constitution - Seminar
* Purpose of Constitution - Student Copy
* Articles of the Constitution - Seminar
* Articles of the Constitution - Student Copy
* Practice ONLY: Preamble
* Practice ONLY: Seven Articles
* Practice ONLY: Bill of Rights
* Practice ONLY: Amendments 11-27
Learning Target 3.2 - Summarize the checks and balances of the United States government.
Class resources for Learning Target 3.2
* After the Constitutional Convention - Seminar
* Purpose of Constitution and Checks/Balances - Seminar
* Basics of the Checks and Balances - Constitution: Resource
* LT 3.2 Checks and Balances - student sheet
* Checks and Balances - student diagram with questions
Resources: Website #1 Website #2 Website #3
Learning Target 3.3 - Justify the importance of the protections in the Amendments.
Class resources for Learning Target 1.1
* Constitution Stations - Student Readings LT 3.1 & LT 3.3: Amendment Project - Student Directions
* Constitution Stations - Student Sheet
* Vocabulary - Student PRACTICE
* Bill of Rights - Seminar
* Bill of Rights Chart - Student Sheet
* Amendments #11-27 - Seminar
* Handout Amendments - Student Copy
* Hand Gestures - Student PRACTICE
* Why Bill of Rights wasn't in Constitution - in class video
* Color Sheet - Student Copy
* U.S. Constitution COLORING sheet - Key
Online Resources for LT 3.1
Online Resources for LT 3.2
Online Resources for LT 3.3
* Bill of Rights Hand Gestures
* Song: Rights Rights Baby
* Bill of Rights - Study Material
* Game LINK: iCivics- Do I have a right?
* Video: Three Minute Guide to the Bill of Rights (TED-ED)
* Video: Bill of Rights Review
* Video: Tips for Memorizing the Amendments * Video: Annenberg Classroom: Key Constitutional Concepts (Part 1 Creating the Constitution 23 min., Part 2 Protections of Individual Rights 23-42 min., Part 3 Checks and Balances: Presidential Powers 42- min.)
* Study Guide - Student Sheet
* Practice for Quiz - taken in class